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RMAN02 Alaskan Wonders - Rail & Motorcoach Vacation from Anchorage (Seward Pre Cruise Tour)

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Our pre cruise tours help to ease your travel and make the most out of your time in Alaska.This 5-day rail and coach vacation is ideal to be combined with the departure in Seward by cruise ship or the Alaska ferry. Your tour starts in Anchorage, which is filled with lot of adventures along with metropolitan amenities. Board in Anchorage the last full-service railroad in North America and choose between the “Adventure Class” seating in the single-storey railway car or the “Deluxe Dome Railcar” on board the Alaska Railroad or with one of the privately operated trains. All train cars feature large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views around every bend of the majestic beauty of the glaciers, mountains and Alaskan wildlife. Denali National  Park is the  natural habitat for many types of wildlife including caribou, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, bald eagles, and the mighty grizzly bears. It is most likely you will spot some of them while taking our full day Denali Transit Bus to Eielson Center, Wonder Lake or Kantishna Roadhouse. You may exchange this tour and join the guided Tundra wilderness bus tour. In the second part of the journey you will travel by motorcoach to Seward. The Parks Highway as well as the Seward Highway offers spectacular scenery and you will appreciate the comfortable seating, generous legroom, and large picture windows of the custom motorcoaches. Your knowledgeable bus driver-guide will offer tour highlights along the route, and ample photo and restroom stops will be made. In Seward you'll enjoy a full day encounter with the unique marine life that inhabits Kenai Fjords National Park. Board the stable tour boat for a spectacular cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park with actively "calving" glaciers and magnificent scenery. Covering 110-miles, the trip is narrated by the experienced captain, who is highly adept at spotting wildlife and pointing out the many sights. Please read our itinerary to have more detailed day-to-day experience. On request, this trip can be customized and organized in reverse order.

  • Itinerary

  • Prices & Dates

  • Attractions & Add-ons

  • Accommodation

  • Map

  • Railroad FAQ

  • Reviews

Anchorage ( Overnight: Anchorage )

Arrive in Anchorage during the day. Transfer to your hotel in downtown Anchorage. Nestled along the Chugach Mountains, the coastal city of Anchorage is not the frozen tundra of Alaska you might imagine. You will find it’s brimming with activities for the outdoorsy and adventurous. Being the largest city in Alaska, it is rich in indigenous culture; spend your day enjoying the Alaska Native Heritage Center, visiting the Anchorage Museum, or browsing through the Saturday Market. Visit the Lake Hood Floatplane base, go for a walk along the Coastal Trail and try out one of Anchorage popular seafood restaurants. With so much of variety of things, for a first time visitor to Alaska or a seasoned traveller, Anchorage has more to offer and is the perfect starting point for your journey into Alaska

Anchorage – Denali National Park | Rail Tour ( Overnight: Denali Village )

Morning transfer to the railroad station where you'll board the train to Denali National Park. Choose between the standard rail car or the glass-dome compartments with large panorama windows ensuring unobstructed views of snowcapped mountain ranges, pristine scenery and abundant wildlife. Enjoy the comfortable ride as the train takes you via the Matanuska Valley towards the Alaska Range and Mt. Denali. Onboard services feature a restaurant, gift shop and snack bar. Arrive at Denali Village late afternoon. Transfer to your hotel and check into your room. Once you settled take a stroll through Denali Village, join a flightseeing tour, wildwater rafting trip or visit Jeff King’s Husky Homestead Kennel for a personal tour with four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King and his sled dogs.

Denali National Park ( Overnight: Denali Village )

Denali National Park offers excellent wildlife viewing and spectacular sceneries. Pick up your tickets, board the bus and watch out for grizzly bears, moose, caribou, wolf and fox moving along the ridges and river beds. Your driver informs about the history of Denali National Park, its diverse wildlife and flora. Once an animal has been spotted the bus will stop that everyone can watch and take pictures. The bus turns around at Eielson Visitor Center - 66 miles one way/8 hours round trip. You can get off the bus anytime to go for a hike. Return to the Denali Park entrance anytime during the day. Optional: We can extend the transit bus tour to Wonder Lake or exchange to the Tundra Wilderness Tour, Kantishna Wilderness Trails or Backcountry Lodge Tour. Included: Denali Transit Bus to Eielson Center

Denali National Park – Seward | Motorcoach Tour ( Overnight: Seward )

Board the comfortable motorcoach at Denali Village at 7 AM. Enjoy the views of snowcapped mountain ranges, pristine wilderness, beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife as you travel on the George Parks Highway towards Anchorage and further on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm. The trip includes a stop at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, as well as some of the best views of Mt. Denali in the state, weather permitting. Stopover in Anchorage for lunch (not included) and arrive in Seward - gateway to the Kenai Fjords National Park around 5:45 PM. Remaining day at leisure. Stroll through Seward's harbor which bustles with cruise ships, fishing charters and sailing opportunities and sample fresh Alaska seafood at the many harbor front restaurants.

Seward | Optional return to Anchorage

This morning board the comfortable tour boat for a spectacular cruise deep into Kenai Fjords National Park with actively "calving" glaciers and magnificent scenery. Covering 110-miles, the trip is narrated by the experienced captain, who is highly adept at spotting wildlife and pointing out the many sights. Kenai Fjords showcase the best of Alaska’s marine world in a compact package. Sea otters float belly-up eating mussels while Harbor seals haul out on icebergs off Aialik and Northwestern Glacier. Look out for Steller sea lions on Chiswell Island as well as Humpback and killer whales. After reaching the tidewater glacier, guests witness "glacier calving" a process by which glaciers shed giant slabs of ancient ice. Board your cruise ship if you are departing from Seward or return to Anchorage by motorcoach or the Alaska Railroad.

Rates in US $ / per Person
Comfort Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $2747 $1792 $1511 $1370 $541
June 1 - August 31 $2727 $1782 $1499 $1358 $541
September 1 - September 13 $2747 $1792 $1511 $1370 $541
First Class Hotel Category Single Double Triple Quad Child
May 18 - May 31 $3117 $2081 $1781 $1631 $666
June 1 - August 31 $3374 $2231 $1886 $1714 $677
September 1 - September 13 $3117 $2081 $1781 $1631 $666

What’s included

04 Nights Comfort OR First-Class Accommodation

Hotel and State Taxes

Motorcoach Transfer Denali National Park – Seward

Denali Transit Bus Ticket to Eielson Visitor Center

6 hr Kenai Fjords Glacier & Wildlife Cruise including lunch

Seward Port Fee

Railroad Station Transfers in Denali and Seward

Tour Documentation

Sightseeing Information

Railroad Transportation Anchorage – Denali National Park

Comfort Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Standard Adventure Class Train
( upgrade to Dome Car Train is available for 190.00 per person )

First Class Hotel Category includes Reserved Seats in Upper Level Panorama Dome Car Train,
Priority Check-in & Boarding, Use of Private Outdoor Viewing Platform,
Priority Dining Room Seating, Enhanced Reclining Seats

Tour Departures

Daily  from  May  18th  –  September  13th

Denali: Extend Denali Transit Bus Tour to Wonder Lake

The Denali Transit Bus is the official shuttle bus service into Denali National Park. The shuttle is best suited for those visitors who are seeking flexibility in their day trip into the Park and would like to have the option of getting off the bus to hike or explore on your own. Excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities all along the Park Road. Created by retreating glaciers, Wonder Lake offers visitors stunning views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range, as weather permits. Along the Park Road, alder and willow carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds often frequented by waterfowl and other wildlife. Reflection Pond, an amazing photo stop on a clear day, requires you utilize the Kantishna Transit Bus or hike 2.5 miles from the Wonder Lake turnaround stop.

More Details & Pricing

Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour

The fully narrated 62-mile Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park is led by a certified naturalist driver/guide who will also provide historical and geographical background of the area. The tour will last approximately eight to nine hours and includes ample photo and rest stops. When your tour driver is able, he/she will take video footage of animals along Park Road and project these images onto drop-down video screens, featured only our specially designed tour buses. This way you can get a close-up look at the roadside action. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a “Tundra Wilderness Tour” DVD, which will feature some of the video footage shot from your tour! Guests cannot switch buses throughout the day (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this).

More Details & Pricing

Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour

The Kantishna Wilderness Trails tour is the premier Denali Park wilderness bus excursion. Spend the entire day in Denali National Park and discover a piece of Alaska's gold rush history and warm hospitality at the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, located just past Wonder Lake on the banks of Moose Creek. Your 12 to 13-hour fully-narrated excursion to Kantishna travels via a custom motorcoach through 95 miles of Denali National Park's prime wildlife habitat. The last 30 miles allow for full viewing of Mt. Denali, weather permitting. The wilderness backcountry of Denali Park provides diverse habitats which support big-game species such as black bear, grizzly, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolf, and wolverine. Hot beverages and refreshments are included en route to the Kantishna Roadhouse. After a hearty deli style lunch in the dining room at the Roadhouse, relax and visit the Historical Recorder's Cabin and enjoy a dog sled demonstration or gold panning. Guests cannot switch buses throughout the day (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this).

More Details & Pricing

Denali: Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Denali Backcountry Adventure Bus Tour

The Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour is another premier Denali Park Wildlife bus excursion. This full-day, 13-hour tour travels 95 miles in each direction to the Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. You'll travel by private bus with a trained naturalist driver/guide giving interpretation along the way helping you search for bear, moose, caribou and other wildlife while pointing out the biology and geology of the region. Several photo and rest stops will be made. Snacks, drinks and lunch are provided. Lunch is served at the exclusive Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. Lunch consists of a sandwich bar, soups, fruits, snacks, fresh baked goods and non-alcoholic drinks. After lunch try your luck at gold panning near the lodge or take a guided nature walk before returning to the Park entrance.

More Details & Pricing

Anchorage: Bear Viewing Tour Day Trip to Brooks Falls / Katmai National Park

Take off from Anchorage to an all day bear viewing expedition past glaciers and volcanoes - within the land of the giant animals: the brown bear country of southwest Alaska. You'll fly to Katmai's - worlds famous Brooks River Falls where brown bears feed on salmon. Each year millions of sockeye salmons burst from the Bering Sea into lakes and streams of the Katmai National Park. These fish provide the primary food source for the worlds largest population of brown bears. As many as 50 bears may be viewed up-close-and-personal from elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms fishing along the 1 1/2 mile Brooks River during peak season (July). Local National Park Rangers are answering all of your questions about this incredible park during the self guided full day tour. Lunch is included at Brooks Lodge.

More Details & Pricing
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Planning Your Alaska Railroad Vacation - Frequently Asked Questions

Alaska Railroad vacation

Planning an Alaska vacation by train? Our Alaska Railroad tour packages combine scenic rail travel with carefully selected hotels, sightseeing excursions and transfers, making it easy to explore Alaska without having to drive.

Travel through some of Alaska's most spectacular landscapes as the railroad connects destinations such as Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Seward and Whittier. Depending on the itinerary, your rail vacation may include wildlife and glacier cruises, Denali sightseeing, motorcoach transfers and other memorable Alaska experiences. With different itineraries, hotel categories and rail seating options available, there are several ways to experience Alaska by train.

Because each itinerary is different, we've answered some of the most common questions about our Alaska Railroad vacation packages below.

Which Alaska Railroad routes are included in the tours?

The route depends on the tour you choose. Our packages can include travel on the Denali Star, Coastal Classic and Glacier Discovery trains, as well as other Alaska Railroad services. Your individual itinerary shows the exact train routes and destinations included.

Which destinations can I visit on an Alaska Railroad tour?

Depending on the itinerary, our Alaska Railroad tours can include Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Fairbanks, Seward and Whittier. Some packages also combine railroad travel with destinations that are not directly served by rail.

What type of seating is available on the Alaska Railroad?

Depending on the tour, you may have a choice between Adventure Class and premium rail service such as GoldStar Service. Adventure Class features comfortable seating and access to shared outdoor viewing areas, while GoldStar Service offers elevated dome-window seating, an outdoor viewing platform and additional onboard amenities. Available options vary by route and train.
Our First Class hotel category already includes dome-car seating, while the Comfort Class category includes Adventure Class seating, with the option to upgrade to dome-car seating.

Are hotels included in the Alaska Railroad tours?

Yes. Hotel accommodations are included according to the itinerary and selected hotel category. The individual tour page shows the accommodations included at each destination.

Can I see Mount Denali from the train?

Sometimes, in clear weather. The mountain is often hidden by clouds, so don't count on it. The train does offer wide views of the Alaska Range through Broad Pass, and a park day or flightseeing tour improves your chances of seeing the summit.

Is a Denali bus tour included, and how far does it go?

The Denali Transit Bus takes you along the Denali Park Road to Eielson Visitor Center, with views of the Alaska Range and, weather permitting, Mount Denali. Wonder Lake and Kantishna are available as longer options. You can get off along the way to hike and continue on a later bus.

If you'd like a guided experience, you can exchange the Transit Bus for one of these tours, all led by a naturalist driver-guide:
- Tundra Wilderness Tour: a narrated tour of about 8-9 hours with photo and rest stops.
- Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour: a 12-13 hour day to the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, with lunch and gold panning or a dog sled demonstration.
- Denali Backcountry Adventure Bus Tour: a 13-hour day to the Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna, with lunch and a guided nature walk or gold panning.
Guided tours run as one continuous trip, so you can't get off and switch buses the way you can on the Transit Bus.

Are sightseeing tours and activities included?

Many of our Alaska Railroad packages include major sightseeing experiences such as Denali National Park tours, wildlife excursions, glacier and wildlife cruises or other Alaska activities. Included services vary by itinerary, so please check the "What's Included" section of your chosen tour.

Can I bring luggage on an Alaska Railroad tour?

Yes. Checked Luggage: Each ticketed passenger can check up to two pieces of luggage. No single checked bag may weigh more than 50 pounds. Up to two extra bags can be checked for an additional fee.

Carry-On Luggage: Each passenger is allowed one small personal item or daypack to bring into the passenger coach. It must fit under your seat. Standard wheeled airline carry-on rollers are generally too large for the passenger seating area and must be checked.

Checked Baggage Access: You will not have access to your checked bags while the train is moving, so pack all essentials (medications, electronics, valuables, and extra layers) in your small carry-on.

Can I add extra nights or customize an Alaska Railroad tour?

Yes. All of our Alaska Railroad vacation packages can be extended with additional nights or adjusted to fit your travel plans. We can also combine rail travel with additional sightseeing, cruises, self-drive itineraries or other Alaska experiences.

Can I combine an Alaska Railroad tour with a cruise?

Yes. Alaska Railroad travel can be combined with an Alaska cruise or other land-based travel. We can help arrange the rail portion of a longer Alaska vacation, including additional hotel nights and transportation where available.

How far in advance should I book an Alaska Railroad tour?

We recommend booking as early as possible for summer travel, particularly for popular travel dates in June, July and August and for premium rail seating. Advance booking provides a better choice of travel dates, hotels and train seating.

Is smoking permitted on the train?

For the comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Alaska Railroad trains. This includes the outdoor viewing platforms, vestibules, areas between train cars and restroom facilities.

Leah, MN: Unfortunately our two weeks vacation in Alaska is now over. The Alaska Railroad journey to Denali National Park, exploring the park (on the bus and by helicopter) and taking the cruise ship from Seward to Seattle - it all was a dream vacation. Our family liked it everywhere very much. Everything went very well. We enjoyed it to the full. When we come back to Alaska, we book again through you. Thank you very much for everything.